20 New Facilities Accredited by TAA

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has announced that 23 accredited facilities are now eligible to receive financial grants from the organization for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds following the addition of 20 new facilities.

The new facilities, which represent a cross-section of rescue, retirement, retraining, and adoption programs in the U.S. and Canada, join the first three accredited facilities—Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care, New Vocations, and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue.

Following a detailed application process and careful onsite examinations by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians, each facility was judged to have met or exceeded the TAA Code of Standards in the areas of operations, education, horse care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols, the TAA said in a release.

"Each of these facilities has undergone a rigorous review process to ensure that they are providing a uniform level of care for our retired Thoroughbreds, and we are pleased to invite them to apply for funding," James Hastie, TAA executive director, said in a statement.

To view the requirements for TAA accreditation and the complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities, please visit the Accreditation page on the TAA website. The 2014 Code of Standards and the Application for Accreditation will be available in February 2014.

Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders' Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. More information at thoroughbredaftercare.org.